Lee, Robert E., 1807-1870 to Governor Francis W. Pickens
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00751 Author/Creator: Lee, Robert E., 1807-1870 Place Written: Richmond, Virginia Type: Letter signed Date: May 29, 1862 Pagination: 4 p. : docket ; Height: 25 cm, Width: 20 cm Order a Copy
Written to South Carolina's governor, Pickens in response to Pickens concerns about the city of Charleston. Lee writes in part, "The loss of Charleston would cut us off almost entirely from communication with the rest of the world and close the only channel through which we can expect to get supplies from abroad now almost our only dependince. [.... ] Let it be distinctly understood by every body, that Charleston and Savannah are to be defended to the last extremity. If the harbours are taken, the cities are to be fought street by street and house by house as long as we have a foot of ground to stand upon." Lee reports that General Roswell S. Ripley has been transferred and the issue of dissension among the troops at Charleston is being addressed. He indicates that no more guns can be sent at this time but if it becomes necessary, they will procure them. Lee was recalled to Richmond in March 1862, after replacing Beauregard in South Carolina and Georgia defenses. Docketed by Pickens on page 4.
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